Sister, sister!

.... kind, compassionate, loyal, loving, tender hearted, strong, independent, teacher, Christian, mother, sister, friend. Those are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Karrie. Karrie is very similar to me in that we wear our hearts on our sleeve. That doesn't always work out so well for us, but it's our nature who can stop it? I'm not sure I want to. Karrie truly strives to be an example of God's love. I have learned a great amount from having the pleasure of hearing her teach Sunday School the past year. She truly puts her effort and heart into preparing our lessons and I gain something each time. Karrie holds a heavy heart for those around her, especially her students that she teaches everyday. I believe that says a lot for her overall character. I know that I can tell her anything and it is safe with her. Karrie and I have been friends for several years now, we share a "mother hen" you could say, Karrie's mom, Vickie. So in a sense we have become "sisters". Back in my "single" days lol I sure spent a lot of time with Karrie and her now husband Matthew. They were great to me and continue to be. I know that the two of them would do anything for me that I needed. Karrie also introduced me to my true first love. Her son Owen Eli. Which as your read above Karrie and I are sisters so that makes me "aunt Jamie". I love that child with all of my heart. He is too smart and filled personality. I have watched him grow into the sweet lil young man he is today. He will be a bell ringer in our wedding as well. Karrie is also expecting, I am beyond excited for the birth of this new baby. Leave it to me to make her stand up in a bridesmaids gown while she's six months pregnant. Karrie is a great mother and wife and I am blessed that she is to a wonderful friend.

Happy Valentines Day!

It's FriENDship! FriENDship!

Where do I start about Miss.Hannah? We have become very close in the past year and I can't see that ever changing. We really are two peas in a pod when it comes to things like fashion, decorating, shopping and well shopping. We get along very well and our fashion sense is very similar. Needless to say, when a sale hits and we are there, trouble may soon follow. We also have dubbed ourselves "Truth Sayers" , that just means we have opinions, just like everyone else, except ours are the correct ones lol. She has definitely talked me down from several panic sessions about this wedding, but is quick to assure me that it is going to work out and be beautiful. Hannah is a very talented graphic designer. She is currently working on our invitations (that I absolutely adore) and she created our save the date cards. Hannah has been there for me through some tough times this past year. She has helped me paint at our new house til the wee hours of the morning. That's what's so great about our relationship. No matter what were doing we always seem to wind up laughing and having a great time. Hannah and I have also come to refer to ourselves as Lucy and Ethel. I can't even remember how that got started but it stuck. Since I've found my Ricky, we are still searching for a Fred. He will come along soon I'm sure of it! When he does he will be getting a sweet , big hearted, southern belle. Full of ideas, dreams and aspirations that she will make happen someday. So I leave you with this video Han :) ... Thanks for everything. Love you Much!

1 of 5 :)

I am going to create a special post for each bridesmaid in the coming days. I thought I'd start with Mrs.Lindsey since it is her birthday week. Lindsey and I have been friends as long as I can remember. We've shared a ton of great memories. From us leaving her at the campground on a church trip (I still have no idea how she remembered the number to where we were staying!), to sertoma cheerleading, and snow sledding on her grandpas hill with the almonds, and don't forget that ride to prom in the limo. She's a great friend and it's hard to believe we are "grown ups" now. She has worked hard to become a great nurse , wife and I know someday will be a great mama. After all she has been known to be called Mama Lindsey, she's always looking after somebody, or somebody's kids. Since we've gotten older its harder to get together but no matter how long its been we always seem to be able to pick right up. I am so happy for her and James and the life they are building together. Her wedding in August of 2009 beautiful and I was honored to be a part of it. I can't wait for her to be a part of mine. I love you linz!! Thank you for everything.

Christmas in February

This past Friday night Brady finally got his long awaited Christmas present. A trip to the Jason Aldean/Eric Church concert. It was absolutely the best concert I've ever been to (sorry Kenny). We had a great time. The energy in that place was amazing, our seats were great, and best of all, I believe Brady smiled the entire time. It was too cute. Jason Aldean did play our favorite , which has kind of became "our song", Bryan Adams, Heaven. It was a good time, just another reminder of why we are in love, and why we have so much fun together. I thought in December it would take forever to get to February, and here it is. Now on to April!

Shine on me

"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain." - William Shakespeare

I read this quote today and I instantly thought of Brady. Not just because of the word love, but because the entire statement spoke to me. For those of you who are close to me, you know the "rain" that I have experienced in my life the past 3 years. I however realize the things that I have been through in no way compare to struggles and heartache others around me are currently facing. I guess you could say I've been heartbroken. Losing two grandmothers, my great grandmother, my grandfather and my father in the span of 3 years, was reality changing to me. My life as I knew it has been forever changed. I still can't believe it even as I write these words that those people won't be there to share our special day or hold my babies when the time comes. I know in spirit they will be there, in the sweet smiling faces of those I love. I don't know why these people are gone from my life, other than the pure fact that it makes me truly thankful for each day that I have here on earth and more acutely aware of the the short time we have to work for God's kingdom. In a sense my family has been in fog, from one sad time to another throughout these years. I am so excited and thankful for this wedding, marriage, this happy event we all have to look to. We all know the only thing certain in life is change and so many are taking place right now. Working on my grandparents house has been almost unbearable at times. I love it, it's home to me and was my true home from age one to eight. I am thankful that my mind won't let me forget my memories inside those walls. Although it's hard to think of mamaw at that stove in the kitchen, or papaw at the wood stove downstairs every time I walk in. I am sure they'd be overjoyed to have us in that house, even though they aren't here I like to think of it as their gift to us. Cosmetic changes have been made but it will take time to change my heart. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful family, friends and future family around me supporting me and encouraging me through all of this. I am absolutely over the moon and cannot wait to be married to my one true love. Which brings me back to my quote. He really is my comfort, my sunshine after the rain. It seems as if that's just how God intended it. I would've never believed in April of last year that a year later I'd be getting married, but I am . Only 21 days after the one year anniversary of my father's death, only 3 days after the one year anniversary of my papaws death. There will be sunshine on April 23, 2011 and if not, I'll dance in the rain.

80 Days..

The final countdown is on. I am a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad, blogger :( I am promising to do better from here on out. It has been nuts, obviously but isn't everyone's life that way? I just haven't made this my priority, honestly because by the time I think of it my brain is too tired of staring at a computer to do something I don't have to do. I want to do it though, so I'm back for good this time.

We are getting so excited about everything. The house is shaping up. When I feel comfortable with it I will post before and after pics, I think we have done a great job. I am so thankful to have my very own handy man, without him this project would be never ending. He has sure taken a lot of criticism from me, bless his heart but we have worked well together I believe. With many more things checked off our list which I will share in the coming days, things are definitely looking up. I absolutely can't wait for April 23, and for all of you to share in that day with us!

(The picture above is our sweet little house during the Christmas snow, don't ya just love those blue ridge mountains in the backgroud! )